Kilted with a Bishop

[Clockwork John]

So, our Bishop is visiting my church tomorrow, which is a big deal, as it only happens once a year (if that). It was requested that we all dress up a little more than usual, since this is a special occasion. Several of my fellow parishoners asked/suggested/encouraged me to wear my kilt. I wore it on Pascha(Easter) and got a wonderful response. Hopefully His Grace, Bishop Joseph, will feel similarly. As we are an Eastern Orthodox church, and His Grace is a monk, I don't know if Bishop Joseph has ever seen a man in a kilt...

I'll ask someone to take a picture of me kilted with Bishop Joseph for all of you to see.

[Cirthalion]

I have often worn my kilt to welcome Bishops of the various Anglican/Episcopal dioceses where I have lived, and it has always been well-recieved. I have many friends that wear their kilts for special occasions in the Presbyterian churches as well. These are churches with strong connections to Scotland, so there's a sense of tradition to this (Episcopal clergy actually have their own tartan: the Samuel Seabury tartan). There are also many I know who wear theirs to their Catholic churches, which also makes good sense, since this is also a church with some ties to Scotland. I'll be very interested to see how your kilt goes over with our brothers in the Eastern tradition. Do let us know!

Good luck and happy kilting,

Cirthalion

[GMan]

Good for you!

I have worn mine at various functions whether it is with the Mayor or Ecumenical Services, it is never a problem and nothing but shear joy!

[McMurdo]

Good for you for doing it. How formal will you be going with the kilt, will you wear a Prince Charlie or some thing less formal? That could make a big difference in how it is accepted.

[Graham]

I met with a Bishop (not from our church) kilted, I presented him with a book about the life of Patrick on St.Patrick's' Day while kilted.

He seemed to respond favourably but didn't make any specific comment about being kilted.
One thing is for sure, you get remembered when you wear the kilt!!

[Ozman1944]

For an Orthodox Bishiop's Visit, I'd recommend as smartly formal as you can. It would show a great mark of respect, which he is sure to recognise - even if a bit startled at first by a pair of men's knees.
If he's lived in your country for a while, then he'd be familiar somewhat with the kilt. If from Mt. Athos or somewhere, maybe not, but he'll be certain to appreciate your spick & span outfit. (He might want to wear one under his Cassock once he sees yours).

[ncof300d]

Awesome......

Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7

[Clockwork John]

So, the kilt was a hit. I wore it with a shirt and tie, because that's all I have, unfortunately. A priest that was visiting with him, who is going to be assigned to our parish soon, made it a point to come meet me and ask about the kilt. He was thrilled that I'm proud of my heritage, and loved the kilt. It turns out that his son and I have the same name(Orthodox preists are permitted and encouraged to marry before they are ordained).

Bishop Joseph did notice the kilt, and after giving me a blessing, he politely asked if I had brought any music to play. I didn't have a chance to talk to His Grace after the Liturgy, as it was Father's day and I had plans, but I'm sure he would have had good things to say, or possibly a few questions, based on his response.

[Clockwork John]

If he's lived in your country for a while...

I'm only about on hour northeast of you, in the Antelope Valley. Bishop Joseph presides over the Antiochian Diocese of Los Angeles and The West.

[thescot]

Sounds like a great day overall.

I have found that men of importance who are good men are often the most humble and accepting of others. So glad to hear that you wore the kilt with pride and found that sort of reception.